Texas Red Chili

Meat lovers are sure to get their fix with our Texas Red Chili made with fresh ground beef and great tasting smoked bacon. Oh yeah… in traditional Texas fashion — no beans allowed! This ground beef chili recipe that we call Texas Red Chili will take about 40 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes of cooking time.

Chili Ingredients

• 3 dried guajillo or pasilla chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 lb. 85% lean ground beef
• 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, cut in 1/2 inch pieces (8 oz.)
• 3 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, chopped
• 2 green sweet peppers, chopped
• 2 serrano peppers, finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice or cider vinegar
• Optional: Cheddar cheese wedges and sliced green onions

Cooking Instructions

1. In large skillet over medium heat, cook guajillo and ancho chiles 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until toasted. Cool; remove and discard stems and seeds. Transfer to bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup soaking liquid. In blender, puree chiles and liquid; set aside.

2. In 5- to 6- quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat cook beef about 8 minutes, until the beef begins to brown. Drain fat; transfer beef to bowl.

3. In same pan cook bacon 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Stir in onions, sweet and serrano peppers, and garlic. Cook 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pureed chiles; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin; cook and stir 1 minute. Add reserved beef, undrained tomatoes and 1 cup water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered for 30 minutes.

4. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice and 1/4 tsp. salt. Top with cheese and onions.

Makes 8 servings.